The Multifarious Applications of Copper Nanoclusters in Biosensing and Bioimaging and Their Translational Role in Early Disease Detection

Abstract

Nanoclusters possess an ultrasmall size, amongst other favorable attributes, such as a high fluorescence and long-term colloidal stability, and consequently, they carry several advantages when applied in biological systems for use in diagnosis and therapy. Particularly, the early diagnosis of diseases may be facilitated by the right combination of bioimaging modalities and suitable probes. Amongst several metallic nanoclusters, copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) present advantages over gold or silver NCs, owing to their several advantages, such as high yield, raw abundance, low cost, and presence as an important trace element in biological systems. Additionally, their usage in diagnostics and therapeutic modalities is emerging. As a result, the fluorescent properties of Cu NCs are exploited for use in optical imaging technology, which is the most commonly used research tool in the field of biomedicine. Optical imaging technology presents a myriad of advantages over other bioimaging technologies, which are discussed in this review, and has a promising future, particularly in early cancer diagnosis and imaging-guided treatment. Furthermore, we have consolidated, to the best of our knowledge, the recent trends and applications of copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs), a class of metal nanoclusters that have been gaining much traction as ideal bioimaging probes, in this review. The potential modes in which the Cu NCs are used for bioimaging purposes (e.g., as a fluorescence, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), two-photon imaging probe) are firstly delineated, followed by their applications as biosensors and bioimaging probes, with a focus on disease detection.

Targeted Nanodrugs to Destroy the Tumor Extracellular Matrix Barrier for Improving Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapeutic Efficacy

“…Optical imaging is one of the most important real-time imaging techniques that has been widely used for the non-invasive detection of molecular events in both living cells and in vivo tissues due to its advantages of simple operation, relatively high spatiotemporal resolution, and low cost. , To evaluate and clarify the tumor-targeted ability and biodistribution of the new targeted nanocarrier c­(RGDyK)-HAase-IONP in vivo, the ICG-labeled nanocarriers were administered to the MC38 tumor-bearing mice via the tail vein. Then in vivo imaging was performed at 24 h postinjection (p.i.).…”

Silk Protein-Mediated Biomineralization: From Bioinspired Strategies and Advanced Functions to Biomedical Applications

“…Bioimaging and biosensing are essential technologies for visualizing biological structures and quantifying biological samples . A multitude of studies describe the application of SBBMs in biological imaging and biosensors. , These materials can utilize various imaging sources, including fluorescence, electronics, magnetic resonance imaging, Raman spectrum, X-ray, ultrasound, and others. − Recent advances have demonstrated the potential of SBBMs in these fields (Figure ). ,,, …”

“…136,149,170,171 Noble metal nanoclusters have attracted considerable attention for their unique optical properties, making them ideal for fluorescence imaging applications. 169 In particular, Gao et al utilized the one-pot method to mineralize fluorescent Ag nanoclusters (AgNCs) into the derived peptide from the C-terminus of the SF H-chain (CSH) for cellular imaging (Figure 7i). 171 After incubation of the AgNCs with murine MC3T3-E1 cells for 2 h, they exhibited significant fluorescence emission in the live cells.…”

Recent Progress and Perspective of an Evolving Carbon Family From 0D to 3D: Synthesis, Biomedical Applications, and Potential Challenges

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 19.3 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 10 million individuals died from this disease (∼2018), as shown in Figure . − Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are some of the most common therapies presently. Those conventional therapies have the drawback of not being able to eradicate all cancer cells entirely and causing further damage to healthy tissues around the tumor. − Cancer-related mortality can be reduced by early detection and bioimaging of cancer because early detection of cancer indicators improves treatment success and patient survival . A number of analytical approaches have been developed in order to detect and diagnose tumors in cancer patients. − Further, predictive medical solutions for individual patients are enabling a transition from reactive to proactive approaches in medicine and healthcare.…”

“…46−48 Cancer-related mortality can be reduced by early detection and bioimaging of cancer because early detection of cancer indicators improves treatment success and patient survival. 49 A number of analytical approaches have been developed in order to detect and diagnose tumors in cancer patients. 50−52 Further, predictive medical solutions for individual patients are enabling a transition from reactive to proactive approaches in medicine and healthcare.…”